Launch a Career To Be Proud Of
Are you new to the U.S. and looking for a career?
The unionized skilled trades can help!
You’ve got the skills. The Building Trades Unions can help you put them to work.
- Combine your education and experience into lucrative and rewarding work
- Get support with training and job placements
- Gain access to financial grants
- Make great money
- Get hands-on learning
- Earn while you learn
- Have benefits for you and your family
Launch a career to be proud of and build a life in the U.S.
Check out these testimonials from workers about why they love their careers in the unionized skilled trades.
Earn while you learn
Amazing mentors
Earning potential
Work-life balance
Job security
Start your career in the skilled trades today!
Explore the trades below to find the best fit for you.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers are responsible for assembling, installing, and repairing boilers and pressure vessels. They build, repair, test, and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels and related metal products for building manufacturing and industrial processes in heavy industry. They perform structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water, and other liquid-tight containers.
Responsibilities
- Lay out patterns and fit and weld parts together
- Install, repair, and maintain boilers and heavy-metal products
Cement Mason / Concrete Finisher
Cement Masons / Concrete Finishers install, finish, maintain and repair concrete structures. Their work includes laying out foundations, pouring and leveling concrete, applying sealants, and finishing surfaces like sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and walls. In this career, they can work with construction companies, cement and concrete contractors and manufacturers, or can be self-employed.
Responsibilities
- Place concrete, check formwork and steel reinforcement materials
- Have knowledge of grouts, epoxy material & concrete curing materials
Construction Craft Laborer
Construction Craft Laborers use diverse skills in a variety of construction activities, including preparing and cleaning up construction sites, moving equipment and materials, operating hand tools, and performing demolition and excavation activities. They are essential in assisting many other trades on site. Their duties and responsibilities vary from job to job.
Responsibilities
- Perform various duties involving tool use, equipment, and machinery
- Handle, distribute, lift, and carry construction materials
Drywall Finisher / Taper
A Drywall Finisher and Taper is a specialized construction trade professional responsible for preparing and finishing drywall surfaces for paint or wallpaper by sealing joints, covering fasteners, and ensuring a perfectly smooth, seamless, and level surface. They are critical in both residential and commercial projects, often acting as a bridge between the initial drywall installation and the final decorating stage.
Responsibilities
- Apply assorted beads, reveal and shadow trims that transform ordinary walls into “Drywall Art”
- Mix and apply filling compounds, then sand them to create a smooth finish
Electrician
Electricians install, test, repair, maintain and upgrade new and existing electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. There is growing demand for specialization in controls, fiber optics and communication & computer networks.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret drawings and electrical code specifications
- Cut, thread, assemble, and install conduits, other electrical conductor enclosures & fittings
Elevator Constructor
Elevator Constructors and mechanics assemble, install, maintain, and repair freight and passenger elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other related equipment. In this career, they are employed by elevator construction and maintenance companies. They may specialize in installation, maintenance, or repair.
Responsibilities
- Install and wire electric and electronic control system devices
- Adjust valves, seals, brake linings, and other components
Fire Sprinkler Fitter
Fire Sprinkler Fitters install, service, and maintain and repair fire protection systems, including automatic sprinklers, specialized foam, and dry chemical systems in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. They work on industrial, commercial and residential sites. They can be self-employed or work with construction firms, plumbing contractors, heating and air conditioning companies, building developers or sprinkler system contractors.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret work specifications and fire codes
- Inspect, maintain, and repair piping, fixtures, and controls including hydrant, pump, and sprinkler head connections
Floor Coverer / Installer
Floor Coverers / Installers install various types of flooring, including carpet, sheet vinyl, linoleum, luxury vinyl tile, hardwood, laminate and even sports surfaces. They work in commercial, residential and institutional settings and install floor coverings in structures such as office buildings, schools, hotels, homes and hospitals.
Responsibilities
- Estimate materials, measure and mark lay out lines on surfaces
- Install materials according to blueprints and specifications
Glazier / Glass Worker
Glaziers / Glass Workers specialize in commercial and residential glass installation. They cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications. They are employed by construction glass installation contractors, repair and glass fabrication shops, and interior design and architectural firms. Because glass is everywhere, there is always a need for glaziers.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret drawings & specifications
- Measure, cut, fit, install, and/or secure glass panes, window parts & architectural metals
HVAC Technician
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technicians repair, maintain, install, and regulate heating and cooling systems across Arizona. They repair, maintain, and install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in all types of settings. These applications include residential, commercial, medical, and industrial sectors. These skilled technicians can also replace old systems with new, energy-efficient ones.
Responsibilities
- Installing, troubleshooting, and overhauling entire heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems
- Working with hand and power tools to install refrigeration or air conditioning components
Industrial Painter / Coater
Industrial Painters / Coaters are specialized tradespeople who apply protective and decorative coatings such as paint, enamel, and lacquer to industrial products, machinery, and infrastructure. Unlike commercial painters, these professionals focus on high-performance coatings to protect surfaces from corrosion, abrasion, and environmental hazards. They typically work in manufacturing plants, defense contracting firms (military equipment), structural steel fabrication shops, and water/infrastructure treatment facilities.
Responsibilities
- Clean, sand, grind, or abrasive blast to remove rust, old paint, or debris to ensure proper adhesion
- Operate high-pressure hand-held spray guns or automated machinery to apply paint, enamel, or protective coatings
Mechanical Insulator
Mechanical Insulators specialize in applying insulation to systems such as pipes, boilers, and HVAC equipment. Insulators work with more than just heating and cooling. They also help reduce the passage of sound, air, smoke, and fire. They are essential to residential construction and every large institutional, commercial, and industrial construction project in the country. They can be self-employed or employed by construction companies and insulation contractors.
Responsibilities
- Apply, remove, and repair thermal & acoustical insulation on all types of industrial equipment (duct piping, tanks, vessels, etc.)
- Read and interpret specifications to determine insulation requirements
Ornamental Ironworker
Ornamental Ironworkers specialize in fabricating, installing, and repairing decorative and functional metalwork, primarily using steel, aluminum, and brass. They work on residential and commercial projects, creating security fences, gates, railings, staircases, and balcony enclosures. They often work with iron suppliers to create customized designs that combine security, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Install customized wrought iron gates, security doors, window guards, and stair railings for both residential and commercial buildings
Pipefitter
Pipefitters assemble, install, and repair piping systems for heating, cooling, and industrial processes. These piping systems carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes. Because of this, much of their work is industrial or commercial. Pipefitters also remove and replace worn components, do general maintenance work and may work on plant shutdowns.
Responsibilities
- Install piping systems in commercial buildings or industrial plants
- Study blueprints, drawings & specifications
Plasterer / Stucco Mason
Plasterers / Stucco Masons apply, maintain, and repair protective and decorative cement-based coatings (stucco) or plaster to exterior/interior walls and ceilings. Key duties include setting up scaffolding, mixing materials, applying finishes using trowels or spray equipment, and creating textures, while ensuring durable, weather-resistant surfaces in, often hot, Southwestern conditions. Plasterers can work on industrial, residential and commercial projects, and their duties vary according to the type of job.
Responsibilities
- Installing interior and exterior coatings, including Venetian plaster and specialized textured finishes
- Applying, leveling, and smoothing coats using trowels, brushes, or spray guns, and creating decorative, or textured finishes
Plumber
Plumbers handle a wide range of tasks related to water, gas, and waste systems for residential and commercial properties. They install a variety of piping systems in homes, businesses, hospitals, and industrial facilities including drain waste & vent, roof drain, water, gas, and medical gas systems. Union plumbers are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and installing work vital to Arizona's health and safety. Plumbers handle systems such as drinking water, ventilation and sewer systems, and wastewater treatment systems.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to determine plumbing layout
- Locate, mark, join, and secure pipe sections
Reinforcing Ironworker
Reinforcing Ironworkers place and install rods (steel rebar) to reinforce concrete structures in projects like highways and buildings. They place and tie reinforcing steel, and post-tension tendons and related components to reinforce concrete structures. They fabricate and install reinforcing steel rods for infrastructure, bridges, and buildings.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment
Reinforcing Ironworker / Rodworker
Reinforcing Ironworkers / Rodworkers place tie rebar for concrete foundations, walls, and structures for infrastructure, skyscrapers, and commercial projects. They place and tie reinforcing steel, and post-tension tendons and related components to reinforce concrete structures.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment
Structural Ironworker
Structural Ironworkers erect and connect steel beams, columns, and girders for commercial construction projects. fabricate and construct structural steel buildings, bridges, pre-cast structures, ornamental ironwork and join scaffolding. They erect structural steel and pre-cast components, install conveyors, secondary steel, curtain wall and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment
Structural Steel Ironworker / Erector
Structural Steel Ironworkers / Erectors raise, connect, and install steel beams, columns, and girders, erecting the metal framework for buildings, bridges, and industrial projects. They are responsible for the structural integrity of these projects, often working at significant heights to install steel columns, beams, and girders.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment